Audrey Ann Mayhew, age 87 years, of  Rockaway Township, NJ, died peacefully after a short illness on Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at Country Arch Care Center, Union Township, Hunterdon County, NJ.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, November 23, 1931, daughter of the late Walter and Arlene Faye Hartshorn Buchanan, she was raised in Mobile, AL and had formerly lived in Gilman, VT, North Arlington, NJ, Totowa, NJ, and Rockaway, NJ, prior to moving to Dover in 1975.

Dedicated to hard work, Audrey was working right up until her illness three months ago at TJ Maxx in Rockaway, NJ. For many years, she worked as an executive secretary with Beneficial Insurance, Peapack, NJ. Upon her formal retirement, she worked at Grandma’s Attic antique store and the Hallmark store in  Parsippany, NJ. She was well-known by all her customers for her friendly smile and warm demeanor. She was also well respected by her colleagues for whom she would do anything.

A loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, she and her late husband, Leo Philip Mayhew, were married for over sixty-three years when he died in 2014. The two enjoyed a happy and full marriage, full of rounds of golf together!

This “always on the go” Grandma was truly a matriarch in her family and she was one who was able to appreciate, and change with the years as they passed. Audrey was truly a social butterfly who simply loved helping people and just being out in the world, experiencing all that life had to offer. Having many hobbies, from golf to antiquing to working, she was great at whatever she set her mind to do.

Caring and selfless, even as she battled a sudden onset of leukemia for the past several months, she never complained, no matter the pain, and was more concerned about those around her; from family to friends to nurses and other caregivers, Audrey’s love and selflessness shone bright as an example to all.

An unknown author once wrote, “The secret to a good life is to never stop… smiling. Dreaming. Loving. Hugging. Holding. Searching. Thanking. Feeling. Learning. Playing. Laughing. Thinking. Wishing. Forgiving. Healing. Expressing. Appreciating. Believing. Cherishing. Creating. Hoping. Living.” Though Audrey is not physically present, her light will continue to shine these sentiments bright through the eyes, and in the actions of all those touched by this gentle, sweet soul.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Charles Buchanan in 2001.

Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Bonnie Mayhew; a daughter and son-in-law, Paul and Cheryl Lorcheim; four grandchildren, Brian Lorcheim, Kevin and his wife, Dana Lorcheim, Emily Lorcheim, and Jeffrey Lee Mayhew; two great grandchildren, Max and Marley Lorcheim; several extended family members; and many dear friends.

Graveside life celebration services for both Audrey and Leo will take place on Thursday, June 27, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, 830 Highland Road, Newtown, PA 18940 under the care and direction of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ. Everyone is kindly asked to begin to arrive at the cemetery by 11:15 a.m. as the services will start promptly at 11:30 a.m. There will be a luncheon following to which all are welcomed at a local restaurant near the cemetery.

Please visit Audrey’s permanent memorial site at www.wrightfamily.com where one can light a memorial candle and leave a message of condolence and words of comfort, as well as share stories and photographs of her life.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by clicking HERE or via mail to 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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Wright & Ford, your local, family owned & operated “Life Celebration Home”